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Substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion

Substance use disorder and many other behavioral health disorders can be prevented. Through effective prevention services, the Health Care Authority (HCA) works with communities, organizations, and families to prevent early use of alcohol and other drugs and to ensure our youth, families, and communities thrive.

Do you need immediate assistance?

For a life-threatening emergency: Call 911.
For suicide prevention: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TRS: 1-800-799-4889).
For 24-hour emotional support and referrals: Contact the Washington Recovery Help Line or the mental health crisis line in your area.

What type of services and resources are available?

Community coalitions

Community coalitions provide prevention services and strategies across the state. Through the Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative, HCA supports 82 local coalitions working to prevent substance use disorder and promote health and wellness in their communities, through direct services (such as youth or parenting classes), education and outreach.

Find a coalition near you to get connected to your local efforts.

Parents and caregivers

Parents and caregivers should talk to the youth in their lives about substances and mental health. Parents are the number one influencer on a youth’s decision to use substances. Parents should begin conversations about risky behaviors early and follow up on these conversations often. There are resources available to help:

Start Talking Now – resource for parents
A Parent’s Guide to Raising Drug-Free Kids
Una guía para padres para criar hijos libres de drogas
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Talk. They Hear You. campaign

Student Assistance Prevention-Intervention Services Program (SAPISP)

This program, operated by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and funded by HCA, places student assistance professionals in schools to address problems associated with substance use and other at-risk behaviors.

Check with your children’s schools to see if this resource is available. Services include:

Early alcohol and other drug prevention and intervention services to students and their families.
Referrals to treatment providers.
Strengthening the transition back to school for students who have had problems of alcohol and other drug abuse.
Classroom-based prevention education.

Additional prevention resources

Not A Moment Wasted – resource for college students focused on providing alternative activities to stay healthy in school
Out of the Picture – underage prevention website for teens
Starts with One – opioid prevention website
Start Talking Now – resource for parents